Disclaimer: This was written for the soul purpose of our entertainment. I lay no claim on Walker Texas Ranger or any of its characters.
"Inheritance" A Sequel to Westfield IslePart Three
The Final End
Janis Boisclairjboisclair@rogers.com
Lynn DuBois' Hotel Room Dallas Texas
The bellboy knocked loudly on the door of room ten-twelve with no answer. "Oh man there goes my tip," he loudly exclaimed looking at the room service cart sitting behind him. He knocked again and the door slipped its catch swinging slightly open. "Hello, anyone here?" he called inside. There was no answer so looking around and seeing no one in the hall he slipped inside. Going around the side of the bed he stopped in his tracks having found the room's occupant lying mortally wounded by a gunshot to the head.
The Fate at Westfield Isle
Sydney led the way to the back of the house and into the mansion's kitchen. From the summer porch she could see a young girl at the table her back to them. Motioning for everyone to be quiet and stay there Syd quietly slipped inside. Going up behind the girl she brought her gun to her side clamping her hand over her mouth at the same time.
The girl gasped as Syd hissed, "I don't want to hurt you, I've only come for my husband."
She nodded her head in agreement and Syd slowly moved her hand away from her mouth.
"You have come for Francis?" she asked tears glistening in her eyes.
Sydney nodded her head yes motioning Julie and Pedro inside.
"Can you take my brother and me with you too?" she asked.
"Your brother was locked in the caves below the cliff?" Julie questioned.
"Yes, yes the crazy one took him there, she some how found out that Stephan went to see Francis there today and she punished him." The tears were flowing down her face; she looked at all three of them before continuing, "Now she is punishing Francis."
"Where?" Syd cried taking hold of the girl's hands, "Where is she? Where does she have Francis?"
"Upstairs in that room," Maria spat out.
Sydney didn't have to be told any more she knew exactly where Gage was. Breaking her hold on Maria she raced for the back staircase that came out adjacent to the bedroom prison.
"Wait Sydney," she could hear Julie's voice but it didn't matter she had to get to Gage. Reaching the top of the stairs she slowed gun drawn ready for anything.
Suddenly the bedroom door opened Syd took a step back pressing herself against the wall the rest following suit as Francine Boisvert waltzed from the room. They watched her make her way down the huge staircase and out the front door to the outside.
Darting across the hall Sydney pushed the door that had been partially left open wide, gasping in horror at the sight of her husband.
"Gage," she cried Pedro and Julie right behind her. "We got to get him down," she cried again moving between him and the bed so he could see her.
"Syd?" he softly whispered.
Pedro and Julie had gone to work getting his hands out of the restraints first one arm dropping down over Syd and then the other his dead weight falling forward pinning Syd beneath him on the bed.
Maria had come forward calling out to them, "The collar, you have to get the collar off him."
"What fun company?" Francine's voice gushed she had come back in the room and stood holding a gun on them. "As guests the first thing you need to learn is not to meddle in what doesn't concern you or you will have to pay the consequences." With that she pressed down on hard on the remote.
Gage instantly screamed out his body jolting so violently that Syd couldn't hold on to him. As quickly as it started it stopped but not by Francine's choice. Lin had put some of what Sydney had taught her into practice flying feet first into the crazy woman. Both the remote and the gun had gone flying as had Francine. Pedro scrambled to get hold of the gun and the remote while Julie tried desperately to get the collar off of Gage's neck.
"Stop right there," Pedro shouted holding the gun levelled at her.
Francine was a survivor she had quickly jumped to her feet to face Lin who was more then ready for her. Seeing the gun in Pedro's hand and Lin ready to attack her again she gave one terrifying scream running hard at the window she threw herself out shattering the glass. Both Lin and Pedro went to the window to see her escaping into the foliage completely out of sight.
Maria was helping Julie to spring the lock to free Gage from the collar around his neck. He still lay across Sydney who held on tight to him his eyes closed heaving hard from what he had just endured. Finally it gave way and Julie gently pulled it from his neck.
"Syd?" Gage whispered again his head lying on her breast.
"Yes Honey it's me. We have to get going we have to get off this island do you think you can you walk?" Syd questioned still holding tight to him.
"I can make it," he softly replied his hand clutching to her arm.
Syd nodded to Pedro who went to one side of his friend while Julie went to the other side to help lift her husband from her.
"Stephan we need to get Stephan," Gage choked out.
"He's on the yacht Gage," Lin volunteered.
"Ahhh," Gage cried out as Pedro got his arm tightly around him lifting Gage against himself.
"I'm sorry friend," Pedro told him knowing the pain he must be in.
"It's all right lets just go," Gage answered his teeth gritted tight.
Sydney went to his other side her arm going round him. "Lin lead the way," she ordered knowing the girl knew this dreaded island better then any of them. They headed out the balcony doors the same way Gage had got in the night he had saved her from her nightmare here. A fitting way to be leaving this time she thought silently to herself.
About half way to the beach there was a horrific shriek almost the like that of a tortured dying animal. They moved along the path a little further to find the source of it.
Lin was to see things first screaming out at the terrifying spectacle. Julie had raced to her crying out, "Oh my God."
Maria stood rigidly staring at the still anguished form as the other three came into sight of it. Francine Boisvert hung about three inches from the ground her leg slightly twitching. She had tripped one of the traps that Gage had set over a year ago. A spear had released coming across with lightening speed to catch her in the throat and in turn pinning her against the tree. Her good eye was wide open and her mouth twisted in pain frozen that way as she took her last breath.
With her arm around Lin and taking Maria's hand Julie pulled the girls away from the grotesque image once more heading for the beach.
Aboard The DuBois Yacht
"Yeah Walker we're on our way home." Sydney said she had spoken with their boss a few minutes more before hanging up her cell phone. Walker and Trivette had been on route by helicopter to the island. When finding out that they had found Gage and were bringing him home they too headed back for Dallas.
Sydney lay with Gage on the bed. Julie with Syd's help had bathed and dressed all the wounds. Julie had learnt as child how to take care of her brother this wasn't the first time he had taken a beating. Now he laid on his stomach against his wife his head against her, his arms around her as he drifted in and out of sleep. Gently Syd pushed her fingers through his hair feeling his arms tighten around her.
"Syd," he softly mumbled her name.
"I'm right here Gage," she replied bending her head to his to gently kiss the top of it.
This seemed to satisfy him because he snuggled in closer to her.
They had loosely wrapped his neck with a gaze bandage to protect it from infection and Julie had arranged to be met by paramedics when they docked in Houston.
There was a light rap on the cabin door before Julie opened it and stuck her head in. "How is he?" she asked.
"Come in Julie," Syd replied motioning her towards them. She came forward sitting on the edge of the bed taking the hand Syd stretched out to her.
"I think he's still in quite a bit of pain but he seems to be resting comfortably," Syd replied. "I'm just so glad to have him in my arms," she whispered forcing the tears back.
"He's tough Syd," Julie agreed wiping away her own tear.
"Jules that you?" Gage suddenly asked.
"You faking it again?" she asked in mock outrage.
"Yeah right anything for a free boat ride," he joked back just as a pain hit him. "Umm," he moaned as once again his wife ran her fingers through his hair.
"You need to rest Francis," Julie ordered taking over her role as big sister.
"Julie how's Stephan?"
"In better shape then you, I just checked on him," she replied adding, "His sister is with him."
"Good if it hadn't been for him I never would have known Syd was all right," Gage softly spoke cuddling closer to his wife.
"We'll know more when we get the two of you checked out at the hospital in Houston," Julie announced as she stood up to take her leave.
"I'm not going to any hospital," Gage started as he grimaced once more in pain.
"We'll see Honey, you have to get checked out," Syd argued.
"Syd I'm coming home with you," Gage complained further.
"I think this is my cue to exit," Julie laughed listening as Sydney argued that she would stay with him and her brother pouting, "but I want to go home…"
Early The Next Morning
Sydney came out on deck where Julie stood it was still dark with only faint traces of the new day dawning.
"Everything all right?" Julie absently asked.
"He's sleeping for now but I don't want to leave him too long," Syd answered she didn't want him waking up looking for her. "I just wanted a breath of air."
Julie nodded her head in acknowledgement and both women stood silently looking across the water. Julie smiled to herself thinking how lucky her brother was to have Sydney to look after him. She had been so close with Michael…
"Hey what's the matter?" Syd asked seeing a tearing roll down Julie's cheek. "We made it we're all fine."
"Yeah we did," she replied letting Sydney hug her. "I was just thinking how lucky my brother is to have you."
"Never mind how lucky he is Julie I think I'm the lucky one here," Syd replied suddenly realizing Julie was thinking about Michael. "I'm sorry Julie I didn't mean to go on about Gage and I…"
"Sydney I like knowing he's okay, he's all I have in this world… it's just nice to know. You better get back to him," she smiled squeezing Syd's hand.
"You sure?"
"Very," she smiled again as Syd headed back down to their cabin.
~~~~~
Syd could hear Gage before she opened the cabin door, his hands were at his throat and he was tearing at the gauze bandage. She rushed to him trying to get her arms around him and wake him up. His hand flew out catching her jaw knocking her back. Without thinking about it she had her hand around his wrist pinning it back as she called to him getting her other arm around him. All at once his eyes flew open and he realized where he was. Then next moment he had her in his arms holding tight to her.
"Are you all right Honey?" Syd whispered her lips pressing gently against his head.
"I'm sorry Syd are you all right?" Gage answered her holding her tighter still hoping she wouldn't notice how much he was shaking the nightmare was so real. He could feel her lips caressing him, her hand gently stroking his cheek as his head once more rested against her breast. "Honey I need you so much," the words spilled from him as his face moved against her breast allowing him to capture her nipple with his teeth through her clothes.
Sydney's head automatically went back, "Francis stop," she breathed out deeply.
"Umm..." he answered nibbling a little harder.
"You aren't well enough," she moaned out her hands roaming through his hair.
Syd's cell phone suddenly began to ring and Gage really let out a loud moan asking, "What does Walker want now?"
"If you don't grab the phone you'll never know?" she teased watching Gage stiffly reach for the phone and answer it.
"Walker," she heard him say sitting down beside him. "I've been worse and I've been better," he replied Syd knowing Walker had asked how he was. She slid up behind him and let him gingerly lay against her.
"You're sure it's her?" Gage asked feeling Syd's hand rubbing on his arm not realizing until now how sore his arms actually were.
"We should be back in Dallas some time today…"
"Depending what the doctor says," Sydney interrupted.
"We'll be back some time today," Gage repeated looking up into his wife's face, hanging up the phone at the same time.
"Gage…" Syd started.
"Syd listen to me I don't care what the doctor has to say I want to get home to Dallas. Lynn DuBois was found murdered in her hotel room there. This isn't over."
"I thought Lynn was behind all this," Syd declared letting Gage take her hand knowing too this wasn't over yet.
Dallas
The plane Julie had charted was just preparing to land at DFW airport; Gage reached over and took Syd's hand. It had taken some tall talking then a right out refusal to stay for Gage to be released from the hospital in Houston. With Sydney's assurances that he would see his doctor and go to emergency at home if need be they were able to get the doctor to sign him out.
"How you feeling?" Syd asked squeezing his fingers.
"Not to bad," he replied with a yawn the medication he had been given pretty well wiping him out.
"How bout finishing your drink you know the doctor said you have to make sure you have lots of liquid intake," Syd began to mother him. He smiled to himself he liked it when she looked after him even the scolding part. His mind began to wander he could see her as a mother and knew she was going to be good at it.
"Gage are you listening to me?" she asked holding his drink out to him.
"Yeah thanks Honey," he smiled taking the glass of water from her.
~~~~~
The two senior Rangers stood waiting for them as they came through the gate. Walker could tell this had taken its toll on Gage by how he leaned on Syd. It reminded him of a year ago when they had brought the two of them home. They had been able to rest then but it wasn't that way this time.
"What have you got so far?" were the first words out of Gage's mouth.
"Nothing that can't wait until tomorrow," Walker told him in no uncertain terms.
"Walker this can't wait these people have to be stopped before something happens to one of us," Gage protested.
"Gage," Pedro had spoken coming to stand in front of his friend. "Just like last time my friend, you need to regain your strength to fight this evil. Let Sydney take you home."
Staring at his friend he knew he made sense as like last time. He looked past Pedro to Trivette asking, "You got the file ready?"
Trivette smiled, "Right here Gage," as he handed it to Sydney and they all made their way for the terminal door.
~~~~~
Across the way two rows of seats down a young businessman tapped busily on his laptop computer.
"The Rangers and the Gage woman are back in Dallas," he typed.
"Can you take them out now?" was the reply.
"There are too may others around we are going to have to come up with something better."
"Don't do anything I'm coming to Dallas."
The transmission ended.
Sydney and Gage's
As soon as they came in the apartment door Gage had Trivette's report in hand and headed for the couch. "Syd are you putting coffee on?" he asked without looking up. When she didn't answer he glanced up to find not only Sydney but also Julie, Lin and Pedro standing in a semi circle surrounding him staring down at him.
"What?" he asked his eyes going to each of them.
"Francis Gage you astound me," Julie stated standing in front of him hands on her hips. "I'm glad he's yours now Sydney."
"Give me that," Syd scolded taking the folder from his hands.
"Syd…" came the whine.
"Bed Gage," she replied her eyes motioning him down the hall as if to a bad child.
He opened his mouth to further express his complaints but catching her face decided that it would be easier to get around her in the bedroom. Holding up both hands he retorted, "All right you win." Another yawn escaped him and Syd went to help him up.
"You are going to look that over before you go to sleep aren't you?" he was asking before the door was even closed.
"I thought I might help you sponge down a little and tuck you under the covers," she smiled just wanting the time alone with him no case interfering.
"Yeah but there might be something in that file that only you or I might connect with…" His words were cut off as Sydney pressed her lips against his. "I guess what ever is in that file will be there in the morning," he admitted succumbing to another kiss from his wife.
Taking his hand she walked with him into the bathroom and helped him to take his shirt off before running the basin full of nice warm water. She shivered slightly at sight of the slash marks that had been left by the riding crop knowing they were nothing compared to the mark around his neck.
Ringing out the washcloth Syd had gone to work carefully washing his back trying hard not to cause him any more pain. He flinched once and she cried out, "I'm sorry Honey." He responded by taking hold of her hand and bringing it to his lips.
Smiling she pulled away from him once more dropping the washcloth in the warm water, rinsing it out this time bringing it across his chest. His hand went to her chin and he lifted her face to his whispering softly to her, "I was so scared for you."
"For me?" she questioned surprised by his words.
He nodded his head slightly taking her in his arms. "The last thing I saw was that ape with his hands on you. When I woke up I was in chains, in Captain Martez's company having no idea where you were. I felt like I had failed you again."
"Gage I'm so sorry," she cried.
He let his fingers play over her lips as he continued, "Shh… Francine knew how much I loved you and she used it every chance she got. Of course I never knew what little thing would set her off. If she were happy about something she would say she was going to let Lynn keep you alive another day. If she was mad she'd say you were going to pay for what I had done. I just thought I could endure anything to keep you safe."
Syd closed her eyes laying her head against Gage's chest as he held his chin resting on the top of her head.
"As soon as I found out who Lynn DuBois was I knew where you were. It took me a bit to convince the rest especially when the ransom demand came in but Julie came through for us. I think she knew you were there too but it was just so hard for her to have to deal with it. I'm so glad you are home and safe," she told him.
"Let's finish up here I just have this need to… hold you… close," Gage managed feeling Syd's hands as they pushed the rest of his clothes from him to drop on the floor.
"Let me grab a quick shower and I'll be right with you," she murmured rubbing her hands up his chest.
"Don't be long," he told her reluctantly letting go of her watching her as she began to undress.
"Won't be more then a minute," she promised turning the tap on.
True to her word she didn't take very long. Gage had opened up the file again as he waited for her to finish her shower but he hadn't gotten very far before his eyes had closed. Smiling Syd lifted the file from his hands, turned off the light and climbed into bed beside him.
"Syd…" he softly mumbled.
"Right here Honey," she returned snuggling close letting him roll half on top of her as his arms pulled her close.
"You feel good," his words drifted softly to her fighting a loosing battle against fatigue.
His hand moved slowly across her belly and she let her eyes close enjoying his touch. A moment later as his head rested on her shoulder she could hear the soft sounds of snoring. "I love you Francis," she told him as he slept. She moved her fingers through his hair once more and let herself drift off too.
Same Time Walker Ranch
Alex had been busy on her computer when she heard the familiar sound of her husband's truck pull in the driveway. Getting up she moved to the front door and then out to the front porch to meet the house guests he had brought with him.
"Hi everyone," she greeted them letting Walker's arm surround her. "You must be Stephan and Maria Luanda," she smiled reaching her hand out to them.
"Thank you for taking us into your home Mrs. Walker," Maria shyly said as she took Alex's hand.
"After what you and Stephan have been through it hardly seems enough," Alex told the young girl. "I think I may have some good news for you, I think I may have located your Aunt," Alex continued her arm around Maria as they walked toward the house.
"You really think you have?" Stephan cried a tear coming to his eye. Things had been so bleak for them only yesterday.
"Well I have a name and address in Tampa Florida of a Carla Luanda…"
"Poppy's sister," Maria exclaimed sure that this was her aunt.
Alex smiled at the young girl saying at the same time, "Let's get you and your brother inside and we'll call in the morning."
"Thank you Ranger Walker and Mrs. Walker we are never going to be able to repay you Gage and the rest enough," Stephan began again.
"Stephan, Maria," Walker smiled, "being able to reunite you with your family is more then thanks for all of us."
DFW Airport the Early Hours of the Morning
"Flight five thirty-three from Seattle Washington arriving at gate forty-two, flight five thirty-three from Seattle Washington arriving at gate forty-two," the announcement came across the speakers.
The businessman who had observed the arrival of the Gages earlier stood and walked to gate forty-two. The weary passengers were slowly filing past him towards the luggage carrousel. Finally his eyes found the young man he was looking for and he walked forward to meet his boss. He looked seventeen maybe eighteen but in reality he was going to be twenty-one in less then a month. At the ripe old age of twenty-one he was going to be coming into a very vast fortune. A fortune of not only money but one of power and legacy.
"Sir," he greeted the young man, his boss, "did you have a good trip."
"Tiring," came the reply, "everything set?"
"As per order sir."
"Excellent," he replied, "Excellent."
Next Morning Sydney and Gage's
The phone was ringing and Sydney was trying to force her eyes open Gage wasn't budging. He still laid half way across her and she had to struggle to reach it.
"Hello," Syd sleepily said into the phone.
"I'm sorry I've woken you," the voice on the other end answered her.
"That's all right who were you looking for," Sydney was trying to make herself sound alert.
"Lin, Lin Hu. This it the number that she gave me," the voice was trying to explain.
"And you are?" Syd cautious questioned.
"I'm sorry, I'm Brian Winston I go to school with Lin."
"Brian is it? Give me a minute and I'll go see if I can find her," Sydney said into the phone. Setting down the receiver she tried to slide out from under Gage without waking him.
No such luck, "Where you going Syd?" he asked just as she wiggled free.
"Close your eyes Gage it's a call for Lin."
"Who is it?"
"A friend from school that's all," she retorted leaning forward giving him a quick peck on the cheek.
She pulled her robe on and opened the door to hear voices from the living room; Lin and Julie had just gotten up. "Morning," Syd greeted them, "Lin phone call for you a friend from school."
"Thanks Sydney it must be Brian he is the only one I gave this number to," the girl grinned obviously quite pleased that Brian was calling.
Julie half smiled as Lin went into the kitchen to take the call. "Something wrong?" Syd asked noticing Julie's face.
"No not really Brian is a nice enough guy… a little to good to be true… You ever get that feeling that something is up but you can't put your finger on it?" Julie suddenly asked.
"More times then I'd like to admit," Syd agreed. "Is that the feeling you get with Brian?"
"Yeah I'm just being silly," Julie answered.
"Would you like us to run a check on him?"
"All ready did and he came back clean as a whistle," she admitted.
"I'll run his name again maybe the police files will bring up something you missed," Syd volunteered.
"I'm sure I'm just being silly," Julie sighed.
"Julie Brian is here in Dallas!" Lin was exclaiming before either she or Sydney could say any more. "I hope it's all right but he is on his way over."
"I'd like to meet him," Sydney told Lin curious to see if she picked up the same vibes from him as Julie did.
"He should be here in about fifteen, twenty minutes," she replied.
"Guess I'd better go get dressed then if we are having company and put some coffee on," Syd responded.
"Don't worry about coffee Brian is picking it up," Lin called from half way down the hall.
"A little too good to be true," Syd thought letting Julie's words run through her mind as she too headed back down the hall.
"Please tell me you come bearing coffee?" Gage questioned as Sydney came into the bedroom.
"No but Lin's friend is on his way over with some so if you want any you had better get up," she quipped back tossing her nightshirt at him that she had just pulled over her head.
"On second thought…" he began looking at his wife's body.
"Come on Gage get up Julie thinks there maybe something funny about this guy," she informed him.
"Funny how?" Gage asked.
"She's not sure just one of those things that don't sit right you know."
"That woman's intuition stuff?" he made a face as he spoke.
"Yeah that woman's intuition stuff," she laughed knowing it had served them both well in the past.
As they finished dressing the doorbell suddenly rang and they heard Lin call out, "I'll get it." Opening the door Gage stepped back to let Syd precede him out.
"You are feeling all right aren't you?" Syd stopped in front of him to ask.
"Actually I'm feeling pretty good all considered," he replied smiling down at her as he took her hand and they headed out to join the rest.
"Sydney, Gage I'd like you to meet Brian Winston," Lin began the introductions as soon as they entered the living room.
"Pleased to meet you," Brian was all ready saying as he extended his hand to Gage.
"Like wise," Gage answered taking the young man's hand.
"I didn't know what everyone liked in their coffee so I just brought black," Brian continued on. "But I do know you love espresso Julie," he said handing a cup to her.
"Brian you didn't have to go out of your way," Julie told him taking the cup from him.
"I know you like it so you should have it," he said as again the smile flashed across Brian's face.
Sydney was beginning to see what Julie was seeing. They talked for a little bit more before Gage suggested to his partner that they had better get back to work having put off the report on Lynn DuBois' death long enough.
As Julie stood up to join them she fell against her brother the room spinning about her.
"You okay Jules?" Gage asked putting his arm around her steadying her.
She shook her head a bit trying to clear it answering, "Yeah I must have stood up a little too fast."
"You sure that's all it is?" concern for his sister evident.
"Francis I'm fine," she told him in no uncertain terms pulling away from his grasp on her arm. "Now lets get to work."
"All right Julie," Gage shrugged walking with Sydney behind her into the study.
With the door closed behind them Sydney turned to her sister-in-law, "What do you know about this guy?"
"There isn't much to know," she told them. "He is right from Miami born and raised there. He lives with his mother who I've never met; his father was in construction and died in an accident on the job when he was quite young. His mother has worked hard to support them and he works odd jobs to help pay for his schooling. He goes to college on an athletes' scholarship."
The phone rang and Gage picked it up, "Hey Trivette, we were just going to go over this report… now what are the chances of that? You sure they're the guys? All right then I think Syd and I might be in a little later today. See yeah."
Gage hung up the phone and sat silently for a moment only prodded to talk when Syd asked, "Well what did Trivette want?"
"To let us know that Lynn DuBois' death was just coincidental nothing sinister about it. Evidently there was a pair of them working the big hotels, they broke in took what they could cash, credit cards and jewellery. Lynn must have come back into the room and caught them because the same thing happened last night at another hotel. The husband got shot the wife screamed for help and security apprehended them. Bullets matched and one rolled on the other," Gage finished the story.
"So that's it the Westfield affair is over?" Julie asked a tickle in her throat beginning as she tried to over come a cough.
"Are you all right?" Sydney was asking going to her side as Gage went to get some water.
"Yeah I will be. I must be coming down with something I think I'll just go lay down for a little bit and see if I can shake this," she answered letting Gage help her up.
"I'll get you some aspirin," Syd volunteered heading for the kitchen as Gage helped his sister to her room.
"Thanks Syd," she replied leaning against Gage.
"What's going on?" Lin asked Sydney as she came out of the kitchen.
"Julie's not feeling well she's going to lay down for a bit," Syd answered.
"Is it the flu?" Brian asked.
"Not sure," she replied.
"Syd maybe we should stay here…" Gage had begun to say.
"Lin and I can look after Julie see that she gets some soup and takes it easy," Brian was quick to jump in.
Gage looked to Syd worry on his face, Brian picked up on it immediately adding, "besides you are just a phone call away."
"It's up to you Gage," Sydney said leaving the decision to him.
"Gage you have nothing to worry about," Brian spoke up again, "We'll be fine."
"All right," he finally gave in saying, "We won't be long."
Ranger Headquarters
"Hey Gage Sydney," Trivette greeted the two of them as they came through the door. "How you feeling today Gage?"
"Hmm, must be getting better my backs starting to itch," he absently said.
"Don't act to happy about it," Trivette commented looking him full in the face.
"My mind is just else where today," Gage half explained.
"Julie is coming down with the flu or something," Syd put in.
"Hey Sydney. Gage how are you feeling?" Alex exclaimed coming into the office.
"Pretty good," Gage was quick to answer.
"I've got some good news, we've located Stephan and Maria's aunt. Since both are still minors and both their parents are dead she is going to be able to have both of them come to live with her. The best part is she is more then willing to do it," Alex finished.
"That is great news," Sydney agreed.
"I'm glad that something good came of me being dragged to that island," Gage soberly responded.
Everyone nodded in agreement watching as Gage's hand went to his neck.
"Julie and Lin staying for a few days," Alex asked changing the subject a little.
"Not sure what their plans are," Sydney was saying as she flipped on her computer Gage taking his familiar position leaning over her shoulder.
"Julie was a little under the weather when we left," Gage continued.
"Nothing serious I hope," Trivette commented.
"I don't really know she went back to bed just as we were leaving," Syd informed them.
"Speaking of leaving I'm due in court in about thirty minutes," Alex said looking at her watch. "Tell Julie I hope she feels better."
"We will Alex thanks," Syd told her as she left
"But Syd it was weird," Gage spoke as if they were the only two there. "She was fine when she got up and an hour later she was almost out for the count."
"I know Gage," she reached up and took his hand that rested on her shoulder. "Let's get this done and get home."
"What are you doing?" Trivette asked his natural curiosity getting the better of him.
Gage quickly began to explain about Brian Winston while Syd began punching his name in on her keyboard sitting back to see if anything popped up on him. Her phone rang and she turned away from the screen to answer it. Gage stopped speaking to Trivette watching her as she listened to the speaker.
"Lin listen to me just try and stay calm Gage and I are coming right home all right." Syd hung up the phone looking at her husband. "We have to go Gage it's Julie she's really sick, throwing up the whole nine yards."
"Go guys what are you waiting for?" Trivette questioned moving out of the way. "Hey I'll finish up this search on Mr. Winston."
"Thanks Trivette," Gage called over his shoulder not stopping.
The Gage Apartment Pedro met them at the apartment door, "I'm glad you are back," he solemnly told them. "Your sister is very ill almost as if she was poisoned by shell fish or something."Sydney had all ready gone past both of them heading to where Julie was. Brian stood outside the bathroom door at a loss for what to do while Lin sat with Julie who was violently heaving."
"Gage," Syd cried taking one look at the situation, "Call for the EMTs."
"Sydney," Julie whispered as Syd dropped down beside her, "I don't know what's wrong with me I'm just so sick."
"Shh… I know Honey," Syd tried to comfort her putting her arm around her pulling her close. Her face had become flushed yet her skin was cold, clammy and her body shivered against Syd's.
"EMT's are on the way," Gage announced hanging up the phone stopping dead in his tracks in the bathroom doorway seeing his sister on the floor with his wife.
"Gage grab some blankets," Syd cried her husband not moving. "Gage," she cried out again.
"Blankets," he repeated jarred back into realty. Pedro had all ready opened the cupboard and was handing them to Gage who had pushed his way in to the bathroom.
"Sis…" he had a blanket and his arms wrapped around her lifting her up.
"Francis," was all she could manage before her head lolled to his shoulder.
It didn't take long for the emergency people to be at the door, Gage sat with Julie on the couch waiting for them. They immediately began accessing her listening to what they could find out about the situation. Within in minutes they had an I.V. started and were getting her ready for transport.
"Go with her Gage," Sydney told him, "Lin and I will follow you over in the car."
Nodding his head and squeezing his wife's hand Gage followed the paramedics and his sister out.
"I'll tidy up around here," Brian was quick to volunteer.
"Brian you go with Sydney and Lin," Pedro cut in. "I'll do the cleaning up and take a taxi to the hospital. Lin needs you right now, you need to be with Lin."
Reluctantly Brian agreed following Sydney and Lin out to Sydney's car.
Pedro stood at the window watching them go as soon as Sydney had pulled out of sight he walked to the kitchen. At Brian's suggestion he and Lin had gone to work getting some soup ready for Julie. Things were pretty much as they had left them. The disposable coffee cups from earlier the dishes and pot they had used to warm up the soup for Julie all lay on the counter.
The young man didn't like what he was thinking but what if he was right? With out touching a thing he went to the phone looking up the number to Ranger Headquarters and dialed.
"Trivette," Jimmy answered the phone as he scanned the computer screen.
"Ranger Trivette this is Pedro Sanchez I need to ask something of you and Ranger Walker."
Walker had just come in the door and Trivette motioned him over towards his desk.
"What can we do for you?" Trivette asked.
Pedro quickly explained what had happened and his suspicions. "I'm sure Lin doesn't know what he is up too she trusts him and was just so worried about Julie that she wouldn't have noticed anything out of the ordinary."
"So everything is as it was left?" Trivette was asking. "All right Pedro we have a few suspicions of our own about Brian Winston Walker and I will be right over with a forensics team."
Trivette quickly began telling Walker what was going on as he dialed forensics to send a team to the Gages' apartment. Hanging up the phone he pointed to the computer screen. "Unless there were two Brian Winston's born in Miami July twenty ninth, nineteen eighty-five then we have an impostor. According to records Brian Winston died in a car wreck with his girlfriend two years ago."
"Where is Winston now?" Walker asked.
"Went to the hospital with Sydney and Lin. Gage rode with Julie in the ambulance," he informed his partner.
"See if you can alert Sydney about Brian possibly being an impostor," Walker was saying, "Tell her we will meet her at the hospital as soon as we can."
Trivette was all ready dialing as they headed for Walker's truck to take them to Sydney and Gage's.
Memorial Hospital Waiting Room
The four walls were starting to close in on Gage Sydney could tell by the way he paced the floor. They were all startled when Syd's phone rang. Pulling it from her pocket she put it to her ear answering, "Cooke."
"Syd try to let on it's nothing," Trivette began before explaining what they had found out about Brian and that they were on their way to her and Gage's.
"Thanks I'll let Gage know you called," she simply replied.
"Who was it?" he asked standing directly in front of her.
"Doctor Mosher's office," she replied her husband standing looking very puzzled at her.
Standing up she laced her arm through his saying, "Walk to the end of the hall with me." Gage stood almost at a loss for what to do; Syd could see it in his eyes, his whole face. "We won't be far and it's important," she told him tugging at his arm.
Brian watched nervously as Gage and Sydney walked down the hall out of earshot. "Who's Doctor Mosher?" he asked Lin.
"I think Sydney's doctor," Lin answered absently before crying out, "Oh Brian what will I do if something happens to Julie? She loves me and takes care of me… I can't loose her… she means too much."
"You won't loose her," Brian replied taking Lin in his arms going through the motions of comfort yet his eyes never leaving the Gages.
~~~~~
"What is it Syd?" Gage asked again stopping them just past the nurse's station fears for his wife beginning to well up inside of him too.
"I'm sorry Gage it was Trivette on the phone and I didn't want Brian to hear what was said."
Gage looked into her face remaining silent waiting for her to go on. Taking both of his hands in hers Syd began, "Brian Winston died two years ago, Walker and Trivette are headed to our place to see if they can get any prints to figure out who this guy is."
Gage breathed out deeply as Syd continued, "They are also going to see if they can find any traces of poison that may have been given to Julie."
"That little…" his wife's words were registering and she held tighter to his hands.
"Gage don't, think about Julie."
Once again he breathed out deeply, "So help me…"
"I know Gage come on lets go sit down Trivette said they should be here before too much longer.''
~~~~~
Another agonizing hour passed before Julie's doctor finally joined them in the waiting room.
"Francis Gage?" he asked. Gage stood to face the doctor Sydney by his side, Lin stood with Brian just slightly behind him. "First let me say that Julie is a fighter and she needs to be under the circumstances. Large quantities of morphine have been found in her blood stream. From all indications the drug was ingested and absorbed through the lining of the stomach. Your sister was poisoned."
"But she was fine this morning and we never went anywhere she just got sick," Lin cried out.
"That means where ever the drug came from it was brought to her and introduced to her this morning," the doctor went on.
"That really only leaves one person who could have done that doesn't it Brian?" Gage had turned to face him and to ask the question.
Before anything could be said Brian had hold of Lin a gun shoved in her side. "Don't any of you move it won't bother me at all to pull the trigger."
"Brian," Lin cried out in disbelief as he backed his way to the door dragging her with him.
"Let her go Brian," Gage shouted trying to keep the young man calm the same time seeing the elevator doors open Walker and Trivette stepping off with Pedro.
Hearing Gage the rangers quietly went into action as Gage inched his way forward both Walker and Trivette came closer from behind.
"That's far enough," he shouted at Gage.
"Please Brian what are you doing?" Lin cried.
"Shut up I've listened to you long enough," he commanded Lin yanking harder with the arm he had around her neck.
"Don't hurt her Brian," Gage tried again. "It's not her you want or you wouldn't have poisoned Julie."
"You are so right Gage its you that should be paying here and Sydney she should be mine," he shouted out suddenly waving the gun at Gage.
Once he moved the gun from Lin's side Walker made his move and in a few short minutes Walker had Brian Winston pinned on the floor putting cuffs on him.
Sydney had gone to Lin who was sobbing hysterically and held the girl close while Gage remained unmoved in front of Brian as Walker hauled him to his feet.
"Meet Brandon Wilson," Trivette was telling Gage, "Anton Westfield's son."
"Young Anton," Gage murmured remembering what Francine had said to him, "That Sydney would soon be with young Anton where she belonged." It made sense now.
"Doctor Ashton," a nurse cut in, "Miss Gage is awake."
"If you can give me a minute you can see your sister," the doctor smiled.
"Thanks doctor," Gage replied going to Sydney and Lin to put his arms around them before they all walked to Julie's room.
~~~~~
Lin and Sydney both insisted that Gage go in to see Julie first. Slowly he walked over to her bed taking her hand in his giving it a squeeze. "You know Jules I'm much better at being the one laying there who has to be looked after then the other way around," he scolded.
"I don't like being either person," she replied a faint smile coming to her lips.
"You had me pretty scared there big sister," he told her letting his fingers caress her cheek.
"I was pretty scared myself," she admitted a small tear escaping the corner of her eye.
There was a faint knock on the door and Sydney stuck her head inside. "All right if I come in?" she asked.
"Yes please do. Where's Lin?" Julie questioned.
"She's kind of upset with what happened with Brian. She doesn't think Julie wants to see her," Syd told them.
"That's ridiculous!" Julie exclaimed, "She never could have known who he was or what he was up to."
"I'll go talk to her," Gage volunteered giving his sister's hand another squeeze before going out in the hall to find her.
Lin stood staring out the window at the end of the hall a tear rolling down her cheek. Gage joined her standing looking out as well. "You know Lin if I had to stand and stare out a window every time that I thought I was in trouble with Julie I'd have forgotten what she looked like by now."
"Did you ever bring anyone home that tried to kill her?" Lin snapped back.
"Well you got me there but then I never knew anyone like the Westfields before. Lin you know as well as I the destruction they can cause in someone's life. They hurt and destroy everything and everyone they touch. With Brandon going to jail that is the last of them but he will still have won to some degree if you let him come between you and Julie."
"But Gage…" Lin cried.
"No buts Lin our sister wants to see you," Gage firmly told her. "So what do you say we don't keep her waiting any longer." With arm around her shoulder he guided the young girl to Julie's room.
Sydney stood up as they came in and moved back so Lin could go to Julie. Words weren't needed as the young girl's arms went around Julie's neck and they held each other tight.
"Thanks Francis," Julie mouthed the words as he and Sydney made a quiet retreat.
Three Months Later…
Things were just starting to get back to normal Brandon Wilson's sentence had been handed down hours earlier and he was taken immediately to start serving it. He had confessed to orchestrating the robberies that covered up Lynn DuBois' murder not to mention the attempted murder of Julie Gage.
Julie and Lin after a short stay had gone home to Miami, Pedro had gone home promising Lorenzo could make the next trip to Dallas. "You are always welcome with us Pedro," Sydney had assured him, "Just no more Westfield horror stories."
"I promise," Sydney he had laughed giving her a hug and shaking Gage's hand.
Gage had taken Sydney out for dinner for a small celebration the last of the Westfield's having been dealt with. "Well Mrs. Gage what do you say I take you home and we finish our celebrating there," Gage teased his wife.
"You're such a sweet talker Francis," she smiled standing up a wave of dizziness coming over her and she fell against her husband.
"Too much wine Syd?" he laughed as he steadied her on her feet.
"Hardly," she retorted, "I only had a couple of sips." Syd leaned into her husband grateful for his arm around her as they headed for the car.
Once home she waited for him to come round to her side of the car and help her out.
"Honey are you all right?" Gage questioned letting her lean against him.
"I think I must be coming down with something I think I need to go lay down and sleep, see if I can shake it."
The familiar words played in Gage's mind as he helped her inside and straight to their bedroom.
"I'm sorry Gage," she whispered standing in front of him leaning her forehead against his chest, she could feel his hands slipping beneath her t-shirt to pull it over her head.
"It's okay Honey it's not your fault you don't feel well," he told her pushing her shirt up as his hands moved up her back. Her skin was cold and clammy leaning back he looked in her face to see how pale she was causing him more worry. "Let's get you into bed."
He pulled her shirt over her head seeing a shiver go through her. Quickly undoing the clasp of her bra and pulling it from her Gage turned to grab the large shirt she wore to sleep in. Sydney shivered more her nipples hard her skin turning to gooseflesh she swayed slightly dizzy again.
"Gage," she cried out pushing past him to the bathroom where she collapsed in front of the toilet loosing her dinner.
Gage was a step behind her seeing her on the floor his mind went to his sister what had happened to her just a few short months ago. They had thought they had all the Westfields that time too.
In less then a second Gage was beside her helping her into her nightshirt. "Syd Honey we have to get you to emergency."
"Gage I just need to lay down…"
"That is what Julie thought too," he told her scooping her up in his arms stopping just long enough to wrap a blanket around her. Holding her close he headed back out side and to the car.
Memorial Hospital
"Gage how is she? Have you heard anything?" Alex was racing in ahead of Walker to where Gage was pacing back and forth. Erica and Jimmy were waiting with him they had arrived a few minutes earlier asking the same questions.
"Nothing," Gage quietly replied the waiting and the not knowing repeating itself again. Walker gently laid his hand on Gage's shoulder giving it a gentle squeeze.
"Francis Gage," a nurse was asking for him.
"Right here," Gage stepped forward heading towards the nurse.
"If you could come this way Doctor Ashton would like to see you with your wife," she told him leading the way to the exam room where Sydney was.
Sydney was sitting up in the bed her colour looking much better then when he had brought her there. Going right to her side he took her hand leaning in to kiss her forehead.
"I think Sydney is feeling a little better but I'm afraid she is going to have a few more sick days…"
"What is it?" What's wrong?" Gage cut the doctor off with his questions.
Grinning the doctor looked at Sydney saying, "Go ahead and tell him."
Gage's eyes darted to Sydney's face as she held her husband's hand tighter. "Gage Honey we're going to have a baby?"
Silence hung in the air as the news began to sink in. "I'll leave you two alone," Doctor Ashton was saying, "Sydney I want you to set up an appointment with your doctor in the next day or so."
"I will," she replied her eyes not leaving Gage's face as the doctor slipped from the room.
"A baby Syd?" he asked and she shook her head yes just before he grabbed her in his arms hugging her tight.
A few minutes later there was a rap on the door and Alex stuck her head in. "The doctor said it would be all right to come in."
"More then all right!" Gage exclaimed his eyes trained on Sydney's tummy.
"You are aren't you Sydney?" Alex cried out catching the expression on Gage's face and where his gaze rested.
"What?" Trivette piped up.
Sydney shook her head yes.
"Oh Sydney that's wonderful," Erica joined in both women coming long side her bed.
"What's wonderful?" again Trivette questioned.
"Congratulations Gage," Walker, said holding his hand out to his young ranger. "You are going to love fatherhood."
"Fatherhood?" Trivette asked answering with, "I knew that."
Later Sydney and Gage's
"Yes Julie I'm taking good care of her… I know she is carrying your new niece or nephew… All right Jules good night," Gage smiled as he hung up the phone.
"I don't know who's more excited Julie and Lin or us," Gage turned to Sydney as he spoke.
Syd snuggled closer to her husband his arms going round her his hand resting on her tummy. "I think that its pretty even Francis," she replied a yawn escaping her.
"Are you happy Sydney?" Gage asked the same time reaching to turn off the light.
"Very happy Gage I never thought our lives would ever get back to this point. I know that the Westfields have changed our lives forever but they could never kill what we have or break us apart. I love you Honey."
"That is so true Honey, so very true."
The End